When the first atomic bomb detonated in 1945, our future looked brighter than a flash in the desert. As the Cold War drove the race for atomic energy into a new modern era, pop culture mushroomed with futuristic architecture, fallout shelters, novelty cocktails and "Jetsons" cartoons. Here are some former top-secret locations and spacey spots to revisit the Atomic Age.

1. Nike Missile Site SF-88,

Marin Headlands

As the last line of defense during the Cold War, Nike antiaircraft missiles were ready to strike if Soviet bombers attacked. The country's only restored Nike missile site is now part of the National Parks system and open for tours (provided, of course, the government isn't still shut down). The docent guides are veterans who served at the site, so you'll hear firsthand stories about their experiences as you learn how the program operated. Guided tours Thursday-Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., open house on the first Saturday of every month. 948 Fort Barry, (415) 331-1540, http://bit.ly/17ox9Wd (temporary link during federal shutdown).

2. Bradbury Science

Museum, Los Alamos,

New Mexico

Led by J. Robert Oppenheimer, the Manhattan Project weaponized the atom into the bombs that ended World War II. Trace the history of the secret project in "the town that never was" through 40 interactive exhibits. See the Atomic Age timeline, replicas of Fat Man and Little Boy, and unclassified photos and artifacts. Free admission. 1350 Central Ave., (505) 667-4444, www.lanl.gov/museum/index.shtml.

3. Space Needle, Seattle

Built for the 1962 World's Fair, this Atomic Age icon incorporates futurism, space exploration and scientific discovery in its design. Enjoy views of Elliot Bay and Mount Rainier as you dine in the revolving Skycity Restaurant, or spy on the city through telescopes on the observation deck. Experience another World's Fair fixture with a ride on the monorail from Seattle Center. 400 Broad St., (206) 905-2100, www.spaceneedle.com.

The arms buildup included 9-megaton thermonuclear warheads poised to launch at targets more than 5,500 miles away. Visit the only Titan missile silo open to the public, and see how the crew worked and lived in the underground silo. Take the one-hour tour, or explore all eight levels on the five-hour tour. Can't get enough? Sign up for the new overnight tour and sleep in the crew quarters. Tours start at $9.50. 1580 W. Duval Mine Road, (520) 625-7736, www.titanmissilemuseum.org.

5. Atomic Liquors, Las Vegas

Bomb tests at the Nevada Test Site were the greatest excuse for a drink ever, and Las Vegas drinkers had a great seat for the show on the roof of the city's oldest bar. Inside, Barbra Streisand had her own seat, and the Rat Pack stopped in after their shows. New owners have remodeled the bar to its former glory, and now you'll find craft beer and atomic cocktails while you hang with the locals. Sadly, no rooftop drinking allowed. 917 Fremont St., (702) 982-3000, www.atomiclasvegas.com. (While in town, also stop by the National Atomic Testing Museum; cool exhibits, but no bar. www.nationalatomictestingmuseum.org)